Candidates

[Stonewall]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

[Tru2ASU]

I think I'm on board with head coach experience now. Dont care at what level. One issue is i think we are going to see a ton of coaching changes thise season. And a lot of schools fighting for the same names. If this leads us to Lamb, I think I'm ok with that.

[AppStFan1]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

[Pikapp79]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

So be it. We once were feared, now teams smile when they see us on the schedule. Bite the bullet and try to right the sinking ship.

[Stonewall]

Yes. They will use whatever gives them an advantage. Or they think gives them one. Thats just the way it is , my take.

[DenverOfTheEast]

Mike Jacobs at Mercer over Tra Lamb at ETSU at this point for me.

Jacobs has been a Head Coach since 2016
currently in his 9th year with a 80-17 currently overall record at 3 stops:
Notre Dame (OH)
Lenior Rhyne
Mercer

Mercer is currently ranked #7 in the FCS 1-AA poll and not the easiest place to win.
He played Ohio State, spent time on staff at Purdue. So a transition to Sun Belt and FBS wouldn't be that hard.

His path reminds me of Curt Cignetti.

If I were Gillin I would find a way to go watch Mercer play in person and take someone with me that knows football and not someone like Sofield or Ricks.

[311neers]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

We haven’t recruited, developed or retained well over the past 4-5 years so not much will change if he comes back. Need to find someone that can recruit AND develop. Not reaping the rewards of either at the moment.

[asu2000]

Mike Jacobs at Mercer over Tra Lamb at ETSU at this point for me.

Jacobs has been a Head Coach since 2016
currently in his 9th year with a 80-17 currently overall record at 3 stops:
Notre Dame (OH)
Lenior Rhyne
Mercer

Mercer is currently ranked #7 in the FCS 1-AA poll and not the easiest place to win.
He played Ohio State, spent time on staff at Purdue. So a transition to Sun Belt and FBS wouldn't be that hard.

His path reminds me of Curt Cignetti.

If I were Gillin I would find a way to go watch Mercer play in person and take someone with me that knows football and not someone like Sofield or Ricks.

Mercer was good last year - not saying he isn't a good coach but its setting up like a Drink (one and done) scenario for comparison. Does he go for the next step up. Are we the next step up? Interesting to watch. Personally I feel Clark's wheels are really on the wobbling side right not - he can stabilize and keep his job, I think they have to completely fall off for Clark to be gone. If he stabilizes or remains in wobble phase he will need to / and or be forced to make major staff changes.

[Pikapp79]

Mike Jacobs at Mercer over Tra Lamb at ETSU at this point for me.

Jacobs has been a Head Coach since 2016
currently in his 9th year with a 80-17 currently overall record at 3 stops:
Notre Dame (OH)
Lenior Rhyne
Mercer

Mercer is currently ranked #7 in the FCS 1-AA poll and not the easiest place to win.
He played Ohio State, spent time on staff at Purdue. So a transition to Sun Belt and FBS wouldn't be that hard.

His path reminds me of Curt Cignetti.

If I were Gillin I would find a way to go watch Mercer play in person and take someone with me that knows football and not someone like Sofield or Ricks.

Mercer was good last year - not saying he isn't a good coach but its setting up like a Drink (one and done) scenario for comparison. Does he go for the next step up. Are we the next step up? Interesting to watch. Personally I feel Clark's wheels are really on the wobbling side right not - he can stabilize and keep his job, I think they have to completely fall off for Clark to be gone. If he stabilizes or remains in wobble phase he will need to / and or be forced to make major staff changes.

What you mention would continue to decimate the program. We know exactly what he brings at this point.

[AppStFan1]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

So be it. We once were feared, now teams smile when they see us on the schedule. Bite the bullet and try to right the sinking ship.

That is why I think he will have to get an extension if he is not let go. Important decision coming up for Gillin and a big 5 game stretch for Shawn.

[HurricaneYosef]

Jason Beck

[ASUFan4863]

Jacobs never lived up to the hype at Lenoir Rhyne. I have attended several games before Jacobs and during Jacobs’ tenure. He was good but not great and that was good enough at the D2 level. He’s off to a great start at Mercer with a team that had a solid foundation. I’ve yet to see him build a program like other HCs. Cignetti built programs.

[asu2000]

Mike Jacobs at Mercer over Tra Lamb at ETSU at this point for me.

Jacobs has been a Head Coach since 2016
currently in his 9th year with a 80-17 currently overall record at 3 stops:
Notre Dame (OH)
Lenior Rhyne
Mercer

Mercer is currently ranked #7 in the FCS 1-AA poll and not the easiest place to win.
He played Ohio State, spent time on staff at Purdue. So a transition to Sun Belt and FBS wouldn't be that hard.

His path reminds me of Curt Cignetti.

If I were Gillin I would find a way to go watch Mercer play in person and take someone with me that knows football and not someone like Sofield or Ricks.

Mercer was good last year - not saying he isn't a good coach but its setting up like a Drink (one and done) scenario for comparison. Does he go for the next step up. Are we the next step up? Interesting to watch. Personally I feel Clark's wheels are really on the wobbling side right not - he can stabilize and keep his job, I think they have to completely fall off for Clark to be gone. If he stabilizes or remains in wobble phase he will need to / and or be forced to make major staff changes.

What you mention would continue to decimate the program. We know exactly what he brings at this point.

I do not disagree - financial in the short term, can App make it happen, we missed a home football game revenue, the town and area is recovering, people are donating money to other places, will take a strong checkbook to pull off. As discussed App doesn't have the deepest pockets in the budget or the fan base, it can happen but do we want to be tied to a "one person" checkbook"? We saw how a "one person influence" went with basketball. I kind of feel we have a decision that is so tied to a shoe string budget, does the string break and football keeps sliding or does it get a double knot bow and we get back on top. Tough decision coming up

[BallantyneApp]

Mike Jacobs at Mercer over Tra Lamb at ETSU at this point for me.

Jacobs has been a Head Coach since 2016
currently in his 9th year with a 80-17 currently overall record at 3 stops:
Notre Dame (OH)
Lenior Rhyne
Mercer

Mercer is currently ranked #7 in the FCS 1-AA poll and not the easiest place to win.
He played Ohio State, spent time on staff at Purdue. So a transition to Sun Belt and FBS wouldn't be that hard.

His path reminds me of Curt Cignetti.

If I were Gillin I would find a way to go watch Mercer play in person and take someone with me that knows football and not someone like Sofield or Ricks.

Mercer was good last year - not saying he isn't a good coach but its setting up like a Drink (one and done) scenario for comparison. Does he go for the next step up. Are we the next step up? Interesting to watch. Personally I feel Clark's wheels are really on the wobbling side right not - he can stabilize and keep his job, I think they have to completely fall off for Clark to be gone. If he stabilizes or remains in wobble phase he will need to / and or be forced to make major staff changes.

What you mention would continue to decimate the program. We know exactly what he brings at this point.

I do not disagree - financial in the short term, can App make it happen, we missed a home football game revenue, the town and area is recovering, people are donating money to other places, will take a strong checkbook to pull off. As discussed App doesn't have the deepest pockets in the budget or the fan base, it can happen but do we want to be tied to a "one person" checkbook"? We saw how a "one person influence" went with basketball. I kind of feel we have a decision that is so tied to a shoe string budget, does the string break and football keeps sliding or does it get a double knot bow and we get back on top. Tough decision coming up

Does App have business interruption insurance? I know App football isn't a huge enterprise but i'd hope we carry it.

[Pikapp79]

ASU just asked to donate Liberty ticket proceeds to athletics. Maybe it’s just me but it seems like a bad look. My donations are going to charities helping the people in the area not an athletic program. I can see where others may think differently but it struck me as odd.

[BambooRdApp]

Mike Jacobs at Mercer over Tra Lamb at ETSU at this point for me.

Jacobs has been a Head Coach since 2016
currently in his 9th year with a 80-17 currently overall record at 3 stops:
Notre Dame (OH)
Lenior Rhyne
Mercer

Mercer is currently ranked #7 in the FCS 1-AA poll and not the easiest place to win.
He played Ohio State, spent time on staff at Purdue. So a transition to Sun Belt and FBS wouldn't be that hard.

His path reminds me of Curt Cignetti.

If I were Gillin I would find a way to go watch Mercer play in person and take someone with me that knows football and not someone like Sofield or Ricks.

Mercer was good last year - not saying he isn't a good coach but its setting up like a Drink (one and done) scenario for comparison. Does he go for the next step up. Are we the next step up? Interesting to watch. Personally I feel Clark's wheels are really on the wobbling side right not - he can stabilize and keep his job, I think they have to completely fall off for Clark to be gone. If he stabilizes or remains in wobble phase he will need to / and or be forced to make major staff changes.

What you mention would continue to decimate the program. We know exactly what he brings at this point.

I do not disagree - financial in the short term, can App make it happen, we missed a home football game revenue, the town and area is recovering, people are donating money to other places, will take a strong checkbook to pull off. As discussed App doesn't have the deepest pockets in the budget or the fan base, it can happen but do we want to be tied to a "one person" checkbook"? We saw how a "one person influence" went with basketball. I kind of feel we have a decision that is so tied to a shoe string budget, does the string break and football keeps sliding or does it get a double knot bow and we get back on top. Tough decision coming up

"As discussed App doesn't have the deepest pockets in the budget or the fan base"

This comment right here outlines the overarching issue. We, as a fan base, think we are the most desirable job at the G5 level...and maybe we were in the past where we could get by on a shoestring budget...but maybe we are not in the evolving world of college football.
Hope we stay on top or near top every year...but that costs money...

[DenverOfTheEast]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

We haven’t recruited, developed or retained well over the past 4-5 years so not much will change if he comes back. Need to find someone that can recruit AND develop. Not reaping the rewards of either at the moment.

welcome to college sports in the 2020's -- regardless of whom you hire, App State will always have a retainment problem - check out Kerns roster - kept 2 players from last year.

P5's will always poach the App State roster in many many sports.

[311neers]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

We haven’t recruited, developed or retained well over the past 4-5 years so not much will change if he comes back. Need to find someone that can recruit AND develop. Not reaping the rewards of either at the moment.

welcome to college sports in the 2020's -- regardless of whom you hire, App State will always have a retainment problem - check out Kerns roster - kept 2 players from last year.

P5's will always poach the App State roster in many many sports.

But that’s part of the problem. We’ve only had like 2-3 players “poached” by a P5 in 4 years. But this tells me that we don’t have the talent or players. Most of our outgoing transfers are going to lesser programs, FCS schools or just quitting football in general. If we were recruting at a good clip and developing, we would have players jumping to P5.

Just like coaching- it’s not good when no one wants your coach. It’s not good when no one wants your players.

[DenverOfTheEast]

I said he won’t be extended. I didn’t say he would or wouldn’t be fired. I can see us winning the next three games. Or losing all three. With the latter he won’t be back in my opinion , for 2025. If we win a few I can see the game in Statesboro being the deciding factor.

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

We haven’t recruited, developed or retained well over the past 4-5 years so not much will change if he comes back. Need to find someone that can recruit AND develop. Not reaping the rewards of either at the moment.

welcome to college sports in the 2020's -- regardless of whom you hire, App State will always have a retainment problem - check out Kerns roster - kept 2 players from last year.

P5's will always poach the App State roster in many many sports.

But that’s part of the problem. We’ve only had like 2-3 players “poached” by a P5 in 4 years. But this tells me that we don’t have the talent or players. Most of our outgoing transfers are going to lesser programs, FCS schools or just quitting football in general. If we were recruting at a good clip and developing, we would have players jumping to P5.

Just like coaching- it’s not good when no one wants your coach. It’s not good when no one wants your players.

Okay smarty pants -- the back up QB went to Liberty, Noel went to Mizzou, the DL kid took over for Auburn mid summer,
they paid Joey to stay, the whole defense graduated. it's the ebbs and flows but most likely All SBC caliber players will have options.

Alabama wanted the Head Coach to come make over 1 million to be the OL coach. --

[BallantyneApp]

Don't you think if we bring him back and don't extend him then SBC coaches will use his lack of firm future against us in recruiting? It could make the 2026 recruiting class very difficult.

We haven’t recruited, developed or retained well over the past 4-5 years so not much will change if he comes back. Need to find someone that can recruit AND develop. Not reaping the rewards of either at the moment.

welcome to college sports in the 2020's -- regardless of whom you hire, App State will always have a retainment problem - check out Kerns roster - kept 2 players from last year.

P5's will always poach the App State roster in many many sports.

But that’s part of the problem. We’ve only had like 2-3 players “poached” by a P5 in 4 years. But this tells me that we don’t have the talent or players. Most of our outgoing transfers are going to lesser programs, FCS schools or just quitting football in general. If we were recruting at a good clip and developing, we would have players jumping to P5.

Just like coaching- it’s not good when no one wants your coach. It’s not good when no one wants your players.

Okay smarty pants -- the back up QB went to Liberty, Noel went to Mizzou, the DL kid took over for Auburn mid summer,
they paid Joey to stay, the whole defense graduated. it's the ebbs and flows but most likely All SBC caliber players will have options.

Alabama wanted the Head Coach to come make over 1 million to be the OL coach. --

they were going to pay his buyout to be the OL coach for not really a raise?